State officials confirm four enterovirus D86 cases in northern Indiana

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State officials confirm four enterovirus D86 cases in northern Indiana

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. (Sept. 12, 2014)– State health officials announced Friday that four Lake County children have been confirmed as having had enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).

The children were treated at University of Chicago Hospital and were previously thought to be residents of Illinois. All four children have since been discharged.

The Indiana State Department of Health is working with local health departments and hospitals to conduct surveillance for additional cases of EV-D68. On Tuesday, the State health officials announced a higher than expected level of respiratory illness statewide for this time of year.

Typically, EV-D68 causes upper respiratory illness, such as low-grade fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing and body/muscle aches. Infected individuals generally recover on their own without incident by treating symptoms. However, some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, may experience severe complications and require hospitalization with supportive therapy.

Enteroviruses, including EV-D68, are spread through close contact with infected people. Health officials recommend the following tips to prevent the spread of infection:

Clean: Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not effective in preventing the spread of EV-D68.

Cover: Cover your cough with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Contain: Prevent spreading illness to others by staying home if you are sick.

Avoid close contact and sharing cups or eating utensils with those who are ill.